“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master”- C. L. Lange, Nobel laureate.
The term “digital empowerment” has grown popular in policy circles, corporate boardrooms, and civil society forums due to the fast technological improvements and the pervasiveness of the Internet. The idea that everyone may benefit from increased access to knowledge, new ideas, and digital resources is appealing. As we rejoice in these developments, we can’t help but wonder if we’re genuinely empowering citizens or unwittingly steering the majority towards a new kind of digital disempowerment because of current socio-political instability and digital development’s large-scale destruction and human loss.
The Digital Empowerment Promise
Digital empowerment is built on the idea that technology can level the playing field. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as of 2023, over 5.3 billion people worldwide- roughly 66% of the global population- now have access to the Internet. This proliferation of connectivity has opened doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for millions, particularly in developing nations. For example, mobile banking has allowed over 1.2 billion previously unbanked people to access financial services, lifting many out of poverty. Digital tools have also transformed the way we engage with our governments. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for mobilization, allowing citizens to voice their concerns, advocate for change, and hold public officials accountable. In India, for example, there were over 658 million internet users by 2023, many of whom use digital platforms to participate in civic activities and government schemes like the Digital India initiative. The digital revolution could create a more informed, connected, and engaged citizenry.
The Reality of Digital Disempowerment
The digital divide remains a significant obstacle for many people, with poor connectivity and restricted access to digital infrastructure being common issues in rural and disadvantaged communities. Half of the world’s population, or 2.7 billion people, lacks access to the Internet, primarily in remote and undeveloped regions. India has a significant digital gap, with cities having 70% internet penetration rates and rural areas just over 37%. The digital era poses increasing threats to privacy and security, with global cybercrime damages predicted to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Governments increasingly resort to digital surveillance and censorship to quell dissent, decreasing internet freedom worldwide over the last decade. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has also highlighted the extensive gathering and abuse of personal data by companies in the European Union. Internet outages and social media restrictions are common forms of digital disempowerment in underdeveloped nations. These instances show how digital tools can be used for good and evil, empowering people but controlling them, influencing public opinion, and undermining democratic freedoms.
Uncovering the Contradiction
There is a lot more nuance to the truth about digital empowerment. A big obstacle for a lot of people is still the digital divide. Poor connectivity and restricted access to digital infrastructure are common problems in rural and disadvantaged communities, unlike urban centres, which thrive on smart devices and high-speed Internet. According to the International Telecommunication Union, half of the world’s population, or 2.7 billion people, don’t have access to the Internet; most of these people reside in remote and undeveloped regions. There is a significant digital gap in India, with cities having internet penetration rates of about 70% and rural areas just over 37%.
Furthermore, citizens can be controlled and manipulated using the same instruments to empower them. The increasing danger to people’s privacy and security in the digital era is reflected in a 2022 Statista analysis that predicted global cybercrime damages will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Furthermore, governments have been progressively resorting to digital surveillance and censorship to quell dissent, leading to decreased internet freedom worldwide for the last decade, according to Freedom House.
Understanding and Resolving the Paradox
Digital empowerment faces the paradox of having too much access and too little control. To achieve real agency, it’s crucial to balance the benefits and drawbacks of digital technology. Legislators should prioritize investing in universally accessible infrastructure and digital literacy programs to bridge the digital gap. Strict restrictions are needed to protect individuals from data misuse and cyber spying. Citizens must actively participate in digital literacy and critical evaluation of online information. Civil society organizations should promote digital rights and demand transparency from governments and companies. The World Economic Forum predicts that due to digital technology, 40% of the workforce will need to acquire new skills.
The Way Forward
Decisions now will impact communities tomorrow as we choose between digital empowerment and disempowerment. We must decide whether we have the tools to create an equal, inclusive digital world or let inequity dictate our digital lives. The solution lies in creating an online community that prioritizes everyone’s interests. The fight for digital empowerment goes beyond technology, ensuring technology strengthens our fundamental liberties and rights.